Olympus E-450 vs Panasonic FS12

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-450 versus Panasonic FS12, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Ultracompact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-450 (10MP) and the FS12 (12MP) is pretty well matched but the E-450 (Four Thirds) and FS12 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-450 was launched very close to the FS12 and they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-450 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic FS12 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before going in to a in depth comparison, below is a short highlight of how the E-450 scores versus the FS12 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-450 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-450 Gallery and Panasonic FS12 Gallery.

For those who are planning to lug around your camera often, you will want to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-450 offers exterior dimensions of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") and a weight of 426 grams (0.94 lbs) and the Panasonic FS12 has sizing of 97mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 129 grams (0.28 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-450 versus Panasonic FS12 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are employing at that time. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-450 compared to the FS12.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the E-450 and FS12 is 77 and 95 respectively.

In many cases, it is hard to see the contrast between sensor measurements simply by checking technical specs. The photograph below may provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-450 and FS12.

As you can tell, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-450 due to its bigger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic FS12 will give you extra detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs far more aggressively.